When it comes to Halloween, Chicago goes big. Each year, The Congress Plaza Hotel hosts an epic Haunted Halloween Ball that welcomes costumed attendees to spend the night drinking, dancing, and celebrating.
Throughout the evening, guests will have the chance to mingle with zombie cocktail servers, vampire bellmen, and customed go-go dancers. Guests will also have access to multiple cash bars and spacious ballrooms decorated with spooky décor. They’ll even have the opportunity to enter the annual costume contest and compete for prizes like $2,000 cash.
To ensure that you have plenty of energy for a long night of fun, you’ll want to dine before arriving at the event. There are plenty of incredible restaurants nearby that offer everything from light bites to gourmet meals. Here are some great recommendations:
1. Cindy’s Rooftop
Enjoy choice seasonal fair at this hip, stylish bar and eatery, located at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. Sample Cindy’s signature dishes that include premium seafood options and creative cocktails for brunch and dinner.
2. Alinea
Located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, Alinea draws foodies from across the country with its New American tasting menus. Experience a multi-course tasting in one of several main dining rooms. Alinea has long been praised for its innovative approach to modern cuisine.
3. Kasama
Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, head to Kasama, a bakery and Filipino restaurant that serves up creative sweet and savory pastries, coffee, wine, and more. Choose from menu options like lumpia shanghai, chicken adobo, and Kasama combo sandwich. On the weekends, guests can enjoy pork belly adobo and bistek and eggs.
4. Esmé
Esme is a fine dining establishment in Chicago that fuses food with art. This community-focused restaurant is more than just a place to eat. It also serves as a source of entertainment as guests have the opportunity to indulge in menu experiences and meet the artists.
5. Girl & the Goat
Girl & the Goat is a local hot spot that serves up innovative small plates in its open kitchen. On the menu, you’ll find tasty options like roasted summer squash, olive sourdough, raw oysters, and goat empanadas. For dessert, sample the chocolate pavlova or goat cheese board.
6. Alegrias Seafood
Alegrias Seafood has been serving Chicago for more than 15 years. The bustling Mexican-style seafood restaurant is known for its cozy and casual ambiance, huge portions, and top-notch seafood offerings. While there are plenty of great choices on the menu, you’ll want to try Alegria’s Seafood Special Platter.
7. Pequod’s Pizza
Pequod’s Pizza is a popular local spot known for its deep-dish pizzas with a caramelized crust. The restaurant has been around since the 1970s and has developed a cult following by serving its mouthwatering pan-style pizza with mozzarella cheese that is cooked along the edge of a cast-iron pan.
8. Redhot Ranch
If you’re in the mood for some classic American fast food, consider a stop at the Redhot Ranch. Here you’ll find Chicago’s best burgers, hot dogs, and fries, as well as other tasty menu items like their famous French-fried shrimp, cheddar fries, and Alaskan cod fish sandwiches.
It’s no secret that Chicago gets a little busy around Halloween so you’ll want to prepare early by choosing a place to dine before the big event. Whether you plan to enjoy some freights or just want to drink the night away, you won’t want to do it on an empty stomach. Check out some of these popular eateries and choose one that best suits your taste buds.
